With a seemingly booming economy, spending on private parties and take-home catering has spiked this holiday season, local caterers say.
Since opening their new location on Lobdell Avenue last November, Gourmet Girls owner Kathy Mangham says they’ve seen a huge uptick in business.
They were contracted by several local companies to cater holiday parties, but the bulk of the businesses has come from individuals and those looking for carry-out items for Thanksgiving and Christmas, Mangham says.
“Everybody is so busy, they’re looking for places where you can have quality food, but are not sacrificing the fact that you didn’t cook it on your own,” she says. “Which is the service I provide.”
City Pork’s catering side of the business is also reporting big gains over last year.
“We had a really good December, far better than last year,” City Pork Catering Director Katy Touchstone says.
Sales were so high for Thanksgiving and Christmas that the restaurant is now planning a New Year’s catering menu, filled with the traditional black-eyed peas and cabbage.
Touchstone says their success must be tied to a thriving economy.
Mangham also attributes her success to a robust economic year—particularly in the Baton Rouge area and among her higher-end clientele.
“We had a great year and we’re very thankful for that,” she said.
